Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18 Performance Review

The Good

Thomas: I do not love stability shoes, but the Brooks Adrenaline 18 is the exception. While the Adrenaline has a stable platform, it doesn’t feel like a brick. The Midsole is made up of Brook’s BioMoGo DNA with a Progressive Diagonal Rollbar, that doesn’t sound different than the previous models, but the feel is noticeably softer than previous Adrenaline models. The trainer was very kind to my feet on long recovery runs, especially under the forefoot. Stability is the main feature of the Adrenaline, but comfort is what shined through, and that extended to the upper.

The upper on the Adrenaline GTS 18 is one of the most comfortable uppers I have run in this year. You are going to see a lot of knit uppers in 2018. When we went to The Running Event in Austin, TX last month, the trend for all the brands is knit, and lifestyle looks. For performance, I still like the engineered mesh. Perhaps I just haven’t tried the write knit yet. Anyhow, the upper of the Brooks Adrenaline is engineered mesh with a minimal amount of overlays. The tongue, collar and heel counter add to the overall plush feeling. The upper feels soft against the foot and doesn’t look half bad.

The outsole has ample rubber. The trainer has grip and durability built in. Even with all that rubber the Adrenaline transitions smoothly through your stride.

The Bad

Thomas: I feel comfortable in these shoes, but I don’t feel fast. The weight isn’t even that bad, for a stability shoe it is pretty skinny at 10.4 oz. for a size 10.5, but for some reason, these were not get up and go shoes for me. Who knows, maybe it is the 12mm drop throwing the brakes on my midfoot strike. (shrug)

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18 Conclusion

Thomas: These are one of the best looking and performing stability shoes I have tried. I would recommend these to any runner that likes a stable platform with a fantastic upper. The Brooks team did a great job with this update. The Adrenaline fits TTS (true to size), stick with your regular running shoe size. Get yours here.